ARCHAEOLOGISTS will be given access to the West Way shopping centre site in order to monitor any impact that redevelopment works may have on historical features.

A 'watching brief' will be maintained by experts for the duration of the project in Botley which will see the existing 60s shopping centre demolished and new shops, a hotel and student accommodation constructed.

Archaeologists have previously found evidence of prehistoric settlements and Bronze Age round barrows as well as Roman pottery and a medieval mill close to the site in the past.

The most significant find nearby was the presence of Elms Farm on the site.

This was first recorded on Rocque's map of Berkshire in 1760 and may have late medieval origins but it is unknown how much of this farm has survived recent development.

The project will excavate and record any archaeological finds uncovered by the works.

A metal detector will also be used to enable experts to uncover further finds.

Any gold and silver found will be removed to a safe place and reported to the coroner.

Artefacts will be cleaned, conserved and prepared for storage in a museum.

Any human remains will be left in place if possible.

Reports on the fieldwork conducted will also be prepared and any findings of local or national significance will be published in journals.

The plan has been lodged with the Vale of White Horse council's planning department.